Thread by @SimonHoiberg

10 Title Formulas that Hook 👀

I've written thousands of posts and titled hundreds of articles and YouTube Videos.
It is a fully determining factor, how well your title hooks!

Let me share 10 of the best formulas with explanations 👇🧵

Writing a title that hooks is selling!
If you feel "above" that, chances are that your content will never really make it.

And why would you write great content and then not use the title to sell it?

Use and combine from these 10 formulas, and start seeing a difference 👇

Formula:
[number] + [adjective] + [keyword] + [promise].

This is a very popular formula.
It hooks because it clearly states the topic, thus implicitly promising multiple ways of achieving a goal.

Example:
"The 5 BEST Side Hustles To Start in 2021"

Formula:
[authority] + [keyword] + [number] + [takeaways]

This title establishes the author's experience and offers a "shortcut" to their knowledge.

Example:
"I’ve audited 500+ websites over the past 6 years.
Here are 17 learnings [...]"

https://twitter.com/heyblake/status/1389725784651309056

Formula:
[how/why] + [keyword] + [promise].

This title promises a way to solve a problem.
Start with "How" or "Why".
A lot of people will start a search on Google or YouTube like this.

Example:
"How to choose the right Tech Stack for your SaaS Product"

Formula:
[command] + [behavior] + [keyword]

This title often starts with a behavior-correcting command like "Stop" or "Start".
It hooks because it creates a natural "why" in the reader's mind.

Example:
"Stop Making Everything Perfect for Your Kid"
forge.medium.com/stop-making-ev…

Formula:
[controversial claim] + [keyword]

Create a controversial claim that resonates after finishing the post/article/video.
It makes the reader curious about how the author is reasoning.

Example:
"5 Ways Chocolate Can Help You Lose Weight"
eatthis.com/5-ways-chocola…

Formula:
[FOMO] + [keyword]

Adding a "FOMO" (fear of missing out) in front of the keyword creates curiosity and alertness in the reader, which helps hook them in.

Example:
"Don't Miss These 5 Bits of Advice For Beginner Programmers"

Formula:
[keyword 1] + [vs] + [keyword 2] + [description]

This title is pretty straightforward.
It compares one thing to another and helps the reader make an informed decision.

Example:
"Mirrorless vs iPhone: camera comparison test vs Sony A7iii in 4K"

Formula:
[secret insight] + [keyword]

This title offers "secret insight" into a certain area or field.
It makes the reader curious about knowledge that goes against common belief.

Example:
"What No One Tells You about Being an Entrepreneur"
medium.com/marketing-and-…

Formula:
[achievement] + [keyword] + [promise]

This title offers an achievement and an explanation of why it's important and how to replicate it.

Example:
"I built a 50K following in 9 months and it changed my game completely! This is how I did it."

indiehackers.com/post/i-built-a…

Formula:
[avoid] + [identifier]

This title suggests activities that you should avoid if you are an X.
It hooks because the reader who is an X will become curious and alert.

Example:
"Avoid These Common Mistakes Junior Developers Make"

I hope you enjoyed reading.

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